ALAN PARDEW understands why fans on both sides hate the derby match but he can’t help loving the most important fixture of the season ...

Even if meetings with Sunderland leave him feeling shattered, stressed and worried, whatever the result is after the usual mayhem.

The Newcastle United boss today takes his team the short distance to the Stadium of Light for the first derby of this campaign and look to continue the Magpies’ recent dominance.

But even if the visitors can win at Sunderland, this is not a day for Pardew to relax, even long after the final whistle on a good afternoon at the office.

The Toon boss said: “I have heard a few fans say they hate these games and there is a trepidation about them for a manager. There is a little bit of ‘what happens if’ but that doesn’t last too long because of my mentality.

“It’s very much about the preparation of the team. I have been really pleased with the work we have done on the training ground. I would hope to have all the bases covered and then I’ll look forward to my meal on Saturday night as I normally do.

“I don’t get nervous, if I’m honest. After the game there may be a period of wondering what the ramifications will be if we were to lose. But then that wouldn’t last long either. You have to prepare yourself very quickly.

“However, I really do look forward to it. This is a special occasion. The stadium is electric and you do find out about your players in such circumstances.”

Pardew admitted that the 90 minutes takes a lot out of him. He said: “You are pretty tired after the game. It’s an emotional day.

“Even if you are calm before the game, and I am pretty calm, you still have the stress that you possibly don’t acknowledge at the time.

“You do feel tired after big Premier League games, especially the derby. There is a lot riding on it, particularly for the fans. For them, this is the biggest game. So there will be extra weight on it.

“The biggest plus for me is that Coloccini will play. He will captain the team. His presence will lift us.

“There have been times during the season when I’ve been crying out for him to put his foot on the ball, calm us down and bring intelligence to our play. His return is the biggest boost this season.”